Project Managers' Perspective on the Value of a PMP Certification

08-Sep-2020

My Take -

The PMP certification helps to establish a standard language between project managers and helps everyone work within a standard framework. When one possesses the PMP certification, they should examine the ways in which they can apply the tools, processes, and techniques to projects. By sharing one’s application of the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) framework and exhibiting that through actions, one can establish their own name and fame as someone who doesn’t have any shortcomings with respect to the successful completion of projects. As one attains more and more successes, they should try to acquire more and more experience on larger projects across programs in different business organizations. By exhibiting a higher level of competency by managing more extensive and involved projects one will be able to compete for even more senior positions.

Certification however is a kind of a test only. It is a source of validation of competency in academics, but it hardly proves that one has a track record or a history of success. Anyone can become a PMP with a lot of study and field experience but the project managers who are successful possess a track record of delivering projects successfully using the framework of the PMBOK.

Also Check: PMP Certification Requirements

Here are some responses I received to my survey question : “How can one leverage their PMP credentials to push their career forward?”

• I’ve noticed that as one builds their career and gains more and more experience, a PMP is not as important in acquiring a new position or in gaining advancement. Real life experience holds a lot more value. Having said that, a person with a lesser amount of experience or an individual who has graduated newly or someone who is changing their career to the field of project management will observe that the PMP certification will open doors for them.

• At the beginning the PMP certification helped me to gather momentum within my company. Some companies are presently looking for project managers with the PMP certification and once one has obtained the PMP certification it smoothens the PM career progression. I always emphasize the PMP certification to set myself apart from other PM candidates who do not possess this certification.

• I entered the project management field before the PMP existed, took note of it, but didn’t think even for a single moment that it was a certification that I required.

• The possessor of the PMP credentials holds an edge over the other competitors only at the time of the initial screening of job profile and helps in building trust in the client.

• The PMP certification helped to increase my salary. It opened the door that led to discussions with other employees because it clearly showcases that the person has project management knowledge as well as an active approach towards knowledge acquirement – e.g. learning, reading, sharing, discussing etc. The PMP is a necessity besides the project management experience in order to start the career of a budding project manager.

• My PMP credentials got me through the HR screening round onto the hiring manager’s table. When I was called for an interview the PMP gave me confidence while responding to the questions. Now that I work at the job, the PMP adds to my reputation when interacting with coworkers and other teams. It carries a lot of value, especially in a Department of Defense workspace where many people have the title of ‘Project Manager’ but do not have the experience. They seek advice from me often and I have been able to mentor many new project managers.

• My PMP credentials gave my self-confidence and skills a much-required boost. My present organization does not require the PMP certification for any of our job openings. I have proselytized the value of the PMP certification to my coworkers and several have made efforts into acquiring this certification.

• By acquiring the PMP certification I was able to move past my eight-month unemployment period and get selected for a Project Manager position which has helped me extend my career into Healthcare IT and onto becoming a team manager in Program Management.

• I was introduced to many new people, but I could have done that without the certification too.

• I have realized that the PMP certification opens many new doors. It is a baseline requirement for new opportunities. Next after that comes my application of the knowledge and information, my demonstration of leadership, and my application of the skills I have acquired to the challenges that may arise in my projects. That will help me augment my career.

In summary, most of the respondents place a high value on the acquisition of a PMP certification but some consider it to be a mere aid in moving past the screening process.

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